FAMILY LIFE

Resources:

Child Care

There are multiple agencies in the city to help find child care -- but they are often expensive as they require you to pay the agency 10 percent of the nanny's annual salary. You can also find a nanny through UrbanBaby where there are message boards where families (who are moving out of the city or whose kids are now in school full time) are searching for new families for their former babysitters/nannies. You can actually speak directly to their current employer and ask tons of questions. Many people also find nannies through Craig's List NYC where again, families post messages about finding "new" families for their "beloved" babysitter who now needs a new job.

Schools/Day Care

Day Care: Columbia University Medical Center is affiliated with several day care programs. Learn more about day care programs.

Places for babies and toddlers/pre-schoolers to take classes: Most have multiple locations throughout NYC and Brooklyn

Public School:

Gifted and talented programs are district-based and begin in either kindergarten or first grade, depending on the district or borough. Your child can apply to the gifted and talented program. Click here for instructions.

There are a few special schools like Hunter which have a special application process the information can be found at the above website as well.

Private School: There are multiple private schools in Manhattan. To apply your child will need to take the ERB usually offered at his/her pre-school or at a school in the area.

Things to Do With Kids

Great places to take kids in NYC: Children's Museum of Manhattan, newly renovated Brooklyn Children's Museum, Museum of Natural History, The Jewish Museum, Central Park Zoo, Bronx Zoo, Coney Island Aquarium, Wolman Rink/Victoria Gardens in Central Park, multiple playgrounds in both Riverside and Central Park, Metropolitan Museum of Art (Temple of Dendur is a great place to let kiddies run around on cold winter days), Chelsea Piers, Liberty Science Center.

Websites: gocitykids.com lists activities by date so you can plan fun things for when you are off of work. Also has lots of good information about resources throughout all neighborhoods in the city.